Saturday, July 9, 2016

Franconia Encapment - Ridge, Thermal, Wave

The weather could not have been better for this year's 4th of July encampment. We had hot days, cool nights and not a drop of rain. Soaring wise we had strong ridge, thermal and wave lift all happening at the same time. There was so much flying and other activities that I am sure I will miss a lot of highlights. Please feel free to add the this report in the comment section.

Lane and Don on the Franconia Ridge

The weekend started off right with Lane and Don ferrying the Blanik from Post Mills. Andy acted as tow pilot as he did for the entire weekend. They release over Kinsman and Lane gave Don an introduction to ridge soaring in the 25 kt wind. Don later put the knowledge he gained to solo 3J in the ridge lift for a couple of hours. Next it was Tim's turn to take Ann for an introduction to sailplanes. Ann is a hang gliding friend of our former hang gliding members but had never been in a sailplane. They were able to ridge soar/thermal right off tow into wave only stopping at 14,000' for lack of oxygen. Karl (PM), Evan (T8), Dan (EA), Tom (2W), Andy Lawrence (PM), Tony (in the Blanik with Tim) and maybe others, were able to connect with wave. Evan (T8) flew over to the Mount Washington primary and reported he had 18 kts of wave lift at times. He had to stop at 18,000' for class A airspace. Tom (2W) had a really cool flight. He was able to hop wave crests up wind towards the Green Mountains to Hardwick but was finally stopped by the undercast.

Evan at 18,000' on Saturday

The annual BBQ at the Kinsman lived up to its reputation as being fantastic. Thank you Judy, Ann C. and Marsha for doing the heavy lifting and to Karl for grilling.

I was not at the airport Sunday but I heard Dan (EA), Tom (2W) and Evan (T8) all broke off climbs at 18,000' in the Mt. Washington primary. Back at Franconia the ridge and thermals were also working well all day. There were many good flights.

Evan at 18,000' on Sunday

Dan Mac at 18,000' in wave, upside-down, and wearing shorts - doesn't get much better.

Dan crossing Franconia Notch

That evening the club was invited to Phil's house on Sugar Hill for fireworks and more BBQ. Phil puts on an amazing fireworks display.

The wind died down on Monday and so did the ridge, wave and thermal lift. People stayed closer to the airport for a more relaxed day.

Tim and Michael rock polishing Mt. Lafayette

A friend of a friend took this picture of Evan over Mt. Washington

And while we were all in Franconia, Moshe (RU) was representing PMSC at the Region 1 Contest in Springfield Vt. Please give us your impression of your first contest, Moshe.

Chris tells Moshe how to get to Starbucks - the girls are not impressed.